Media Release Feb 15 2008

Heartfelt help from volunteers

We often recognise the dedication of doctors, nurses and health workers. However there is another group of people who contribute generously to the wellbeing of our health system - hospital volunteers.

This Friday, 15 February 2008, marks New South Wales Health Volunteer Appreciation Day. This year why not celebrate by considering becoming a volunteer?

“The first step in becoming a volunteer is in wanting to make a difference to the community,” explains Michelle Smith, manager of the Royal North Shore Hospital Volunteer Service.

“And what better way to make a contribution than to volunteer at the heart of the community – its hospital.”

More than 350 volunteers help Royal North Shore Hospital and its Community Health Services in a number of interesting ways.

• Traditional volunteer groups such as the Floral and Services Voluntary Committee and RNSH Ladies’ Committee not only raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the hospital last year but also provide vital trolley and shop services to the hospital community..

• Coming to the hospital can be stressful as we confront our own illness or that of our loved ones. To help take the stress out of hospital visits “meet and greet” volunteers are there to answer questions, help patients who are unable to get out of bed or help you navigate your way through a maze of buildings, hallways and departments.

• Ward ‘grannies’ (most of who are much younger than you might think!) help to nurture premature infants or young children whose families are not able to be at the bedside as much as they would want.

• Our volunteer drivers use their own cars to pick up patients from their homes and take them to appointments and therapy.

Who are these generous people? Volunteers come from different walks of life and backgrounds. Some are as young as 15 years of age and others have been volunteering at the hospital for more than 30 years.

Increasingly volunteers bring with them a variety of skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. Many have risen to the top in their own careers and want to give something back to the community. Others have a particular skill or talent that brings a smile to the faces of sick patients.

A famous rock group spent time visiting patients in intensive care, while a budding young musician treated several wards to the sound of music. A recent Duke of Edinburgh participant volunteered her time in the Fundraising Department whilst learning skills which will undoubtedly assist her in her future Public Relations career.

For those interested in a more formal commitment monthly sessions are held at the hospital where people can discuss the different areas of volunteering.

The aim is to match the prospective volunteer’s interests, abilities and available time with a job that will be fulfilling and interesting.

Some volunteers want to join established groups such as the Ladies’ Committee or the Floral and Voluntary Committee.

Others prefer a ‘hands-on’ role in the Emergency Department or enjoy spending time with patients, talking and helping during meal times.

Still others might volunteer ‘from a distance’ supporting fundraising efforts and donating professional time to a particular area.

Remember:
• There is a volunteer position to suit almost everyone
• Set your own time commitment and take holidays whenever you wish
• Volunteering is an excellent addition to a CV
• Volunteering is a good way to meet new friends, stay connected to your community and maintain fitness
• Volunteers learn how a hospital works ‘from the inside’
• Volunteers learn new skills
• Volunteers are respected members of the health team
• You will get back far, far more than you give

For information on how to become a health volunteer, please contact Michelle Smith on 9926 8980.

To all our health volunteers - thanks for your generosity and the kindness that makes such a difference to the lives of staff, patients and their families.

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 02 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

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